Infrared photos are unique, because they take capture a type of image that is impossible to see with the naked eye alone. Here are a collection of infrared photos, shot by professionals and amateurs to help inspire you. We’ve also included a few tips about how you can experiment with infrared photography if you’d like to give it a try!
Please note this article is about shooting digital infrared, which can differ to the process used for film.
What is Infrared Photography?
Infrared photography is the photography of infrared light. This light is not normally visible to the human eye, and the technique we’re looking at today is often mixed up with thermal imaging due to being only one wavelength difference on the electromagnetic scale.
How Do I Shoot Infrared?
There are three common ways you can get a infrared effect. The first is to convert your camera to shoot only infrared, this will cost you around $200-$500, and you’ll only ever be able to shoot infrared. This option is only really suitable for a serious professional.
The second option is to use a infrared filter. These vary in style but are much cheaper to buy – ranging from around $20-$200. If you are serious about trying to shoot infrared, I would advise you to select a mid range $60-$80 filter rather than aiming for the low end, as these can give fairly average results.
The third way is to use Photoshop with your existing pictures. This is the option I would avoid as, although Photoshop is one of my favorite programs, the process to convert the pictures is time consuming and looks extremely fake compared to a filter or IR camera.
So, Do I Need Anything Else?
You’ll also need a tripod, as infrared requires a long exposure, and to remember to set the white balance yourself – don’t let the camera do it for you! Also, remember that infrared takes a lot of trial and error – you might have to repeat the same shot which many different settings until you get something you like!
A Selection of Stunning Examples
Something Different…
The picture below might look a little dull and grainy, but it shows another use of infrared – a comet or meteor hitting the planet Jupiter. You can see the "scar" is the white area near the bottom.
This is another example of infrared space photography. I would recommend clicking on the image and using the website to zoom in further and look at the detail of the photo.
Thanks For Reading
Hopefully you have a slightly better understanding of the effect that can be achieved with infrared photography! If you have any suggestions or ideas for more roundups, please feel free to leave a comment.
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By Peter Sawyer
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Very inspiring to me! I bought a Hoya 72 yesterday and now I do some research until it´s delievered.
It´s mentioned in the text above that it´s possible to convert the camera to shoot only ir. Now I´m interested. Well, I won´t do that with my camera but I really would like to know more about that!
Thanks Peter. Very interesting (and cool). I’ll give it a try.
oh wow that’s amazing!
These are super cool! Love the zebra one..Though photoshop is a last resort I hope that someone can at least make a tutorial to share the techniques…
Wow I was surprised to see #14 on here! That’s Forton Services, I live really near it and pass it anytime I go anywhere on the motorway. Kinda cool to see something so close to home on a Tuts+ site!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/twentyhertz/1313676152/
Wow.
I think I’m going to study more about infrared photography.
these shots are amazing
Great post!!! I actually didn’t know of this style of photography…it’s really cool! I might have to give it a try…we need an awesome tutorial on it
*hint hint*
Infrared is a great technique of phtography. I love it! Please more from that.
#1 is Lion’s Gate Bridge here in Vancouver isnt it?
All of them are cool! I always had a thing for IR photography, just never have looked at doing it.
I might do an in-depth tutorial soon……Covering photoshop and Filters.
I don’t have the money to convert a camaera but I might write alittle more about it.
There’s a camera called a Sigma SD14 that will let you shoot both IR and nonIR images as the hot filter that stops IR light from entering the camera can be easily removed of cleaning the sensor.. Could be worth a look for some people.
IR photography rocks!
Here’s a few old BW IRs that I took: http://kr8iv.co.uk/ir/
Awesome! nothing else to say! jsut great! can’y stop watching those!
Totally interesting
I am currently into IR and I’ve actually bought a Nikon D70S modified for IR
Just learnt out to to post processing and I’ve got to admit that IR is really beautiful
Check out my amateur stuffs at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/livideyez/sets/72157622773435471/
the Canadian photographic artist of the year has a great set of lessons and photoshop recipes for digital infrared photography here.
http://www.nature-photography-central.com/infrared-photoshop-tutorials.html
Most impressive! there are many more than the usual methods. it’s a great learning tool. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sach